By JESSICA NEU
One of the aspects I love most about events at the Greer Cabaret Theater is that conventional theater rules do not necessarily apply to the performers. There’s a sense of casualness and comfort in the air. Almost as if you are watching an old friend or relative perform in your living room. I find this looseness is especially effervescent in the late shows. After the artists have already performed once that day, the drinks have been flowing, and we are all a little slap-happy at a show that begins at 9:30 on a Monday night.
Multi-hyphenate celebrity juggernaut Isaac Mizrahi exemplified the extemporaneous magic that comes from a late-night Cabaret with his show I Know Everybody. With the help of his 4-piece backup band, Mizrahi proved that he really does know everybody. The show highlights Mizrahi’s iconic career that spans over 35 years. Mizrahi began his career as a fashion designer in the 1980s before launching his own label in 1987. Since then, he has added credits as a performer, host, writer, and producer to his already impressive resume. He made his Broadway debut in 2022 as Amos in Chicagoand has also directed productions for the Opera Theater of St. Louis.
Mizrahi took the stage clad in a black sequin suit with a stunning white flower lapel. The suit sparkled as brightly as Mizrahi’s personality, immediately evoking Liza Minnelli vibes (although someone on Instagram claimed he was dressed like Barbara Bush). After greeting the crowd, Mizrahi and his band immediately dove into “Sing Happy” from Flora the Red Menace, originally recorded by none other than Miss Liza Minelli.
After the number, Mizrahi settled into doing what he does best – telling stories. His quick wit, endearing charm, and enough content to fill the Library of Congress make him the ultimate storyteller. A consummate professional, Mizrahi includes enough details for a tantalizing tale with some of Hollywood’s A-listers, but never enough to violate his friendships or sound gossipy.
Mizrahi drew big laughs from the crowd as he exclaimed how he has been taking a lot of Xanax recently, especially since November 15th of last year. After questioning “WTF is going on in the world,” he complimented the immense beauty that was present in the Cabaret Theater and reminded us of the importance of live theater and community. He toasted to love in that moment before introducing his band, comprised of a trumpet player, percussionist, upright bass player, and pianist. Mizrahi’s charm exuded as he spoke directly to the audience, asking if there were any oligarchs present who wanted to “Anne Frank” him for the next couple of years. He cleverly interspersed jokes with stories from his past. Tales of playing bridge with Stephen Sondheim, charades with Mariska Hargitay and her husband at a potluck dinner party, and cheekily mocking Hillary Clinton’s White House décor, as well as having dinner with Madonna, mused audiences, providing a glimpse into Mizrahi’s fascinating life.
Mizrahi put his vocal talents on display as he belted out Noel Coward’s “Mad About the Boy” and Nina Simone’s “My Baby Just Cares for Me” (complete with sleigh bells). He also offered a delicate, graceful rendition of Billie Eilish’s “Everything I Wanted” and Madonna’s classic “Borderline.” The latter was almost unrecognizable until the chorus. Still, the sleek, sexy arrangement left me thinking that this is how the song should have sounded originally.
Mizrahi cleverly repurposed the lyrics to Cole Porter’s “You’re the Top” into commentary on Queer Culture, complete with lines about Roe V. Wade and BLM. Dispersed between the songs were more stories about his early days as a fashion designer. Mizrahi designed Elizabeth Taylor’s wardrobe for her now-iconic White Diamonds ad campaign, and he proudly boasted that Taylor dubbed him a “genius” and was the only designer who could create clothes to fit her. He also joked about how he realized that he and Sandra Bernhard were “soulmates” after they were getting ready for a night on the town in the mid-1980s. Bernhard had a meltdown because she did not have a black pencil skirt to wear. These poignant, personal stories may not have been entirely relatable, but they were whimsical and fantastical in nature. Delightfully insightful and told with a sense of first-hand veracity that is missing from that saturated digital or “reality” tabloid culture of today.
Mizrahi went as far as to sing a song listing the people he has met over the years. From Vince Vaughn and Ben Affleck, to Paula Dean and Martha Stewart. From Anna Wintour and Meryl Streep to Lady Gaga and Chappell Roan. From Cher to Marilyn Manson, Isaac Mizrahi seemingly does know everybody, and he continues to share his multiple talents with the world.
He told a story midway through the show about a time when he was nervous about accepting a prestigious award. Mizrahi’s dear friend Liza Minelli was presenting him with the award and was trying to ease his nerves before the ceremony. She asked him his favorite ice cream flavor – mint chocolate chip. She said, “life is about going home at night and eating a big bowl of ice cream. Who cares about what happens in between now and then.” Whether or not Mizrahi indulged in a few scoops of mint chocolate chip after the show, I am indeed grateful that his “in between” was spent with us at the Cabaret.
The next Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Cabaret show features Sierra Boggess on Monday, November 10th, 2025. Tickets are available at https://trustarts.org/production/101829/sierra-boggess
Categories: Arts and Ideas, Reviews
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